One of the most frustrating things about moving, but more so when you hop across oceans, is adapting. Sometimes this adaption process can last months as you make adjustments to schedules, location, climate, so on and so forth.

One of the frustrating factors for me was the gym. In England, the USAF base had not one, but three state of the art gyms for my use7 days a week everyday from 5am-2am. Nice.

When I got to Nellis AFB in Las Vegas, I thought the base would have the same accomidations...well...maybe not.
The gym at Nellis was terrible and very tiny. Most of the equipment looked very old and I'd never seen it cleaned. I got sick twice when I was stationed there and both times were after using the gym.

So I did my work outs at home, but even that had it's limitations. Every time I went for a run, the temps would soar into the 100's. Everytime I tried to work out in the house, my 2 year old son, God Bless him, would use me a jungle gym.

The only ride time I got in for a work out came in the form of a weekly BMX race-of which I was grateful, but it did little to strengthen me, but really helped my racing confidence. So a plus was had.

That went on for almost 10 months and it just seemed like I wasn't getting any where. Move onto present time and here I am, a civilian again, but this time...this time I've got the gym. A great gym. It's about 15 minutes from here and it's got everything I need and it's new and clean.

I'm fairly excited about this.

I read an article that bikers don't weight train enough and don't run. I plan on doing both not only to make me a stronger more physical player in the gravity games, but because doctors agree: if you're going to survive a crash, you'll need strong bones and a solid muscle base. And the only way you get that is through weight training and a bit of running. (Running strengthens the bones by building density. Density is built up through use. Totally true. I read it in a magazine. Weight training also helps bone density.)

So, before you get on that bike for the umpteenth time this week and go for a training ride, replace one of the those rides with some weight training in a good gym. You'll curse me at first, but after that first big crash...you'll high five.

Time for the gym!

Bob Burnes

It's November now. I've been back in the US for over a year and what a year it's been. I moved from across the ocean to Las Vegas then from Las Vegas to my home town of Salinas, California.

I left active duty military and went back to work as a police officer.

I raced for the first time in the US and raced dual slalom for the first time-ever. And I loved it.

I was hospitalized for a week for pancreatitis and left weak and 20 pounds lighter. And I hated it, but it set me on the right track to eat right and get me in shape for the 2009 season.

It's been three months since I left the military and life is just now starting to find a groove, but I feel a bit off still. You get used to living that way of life and when it's gone, it leaves you feeling a bit....strange.

But life rolls on and so do the seasons.

I finished this season in 5th in the US (I'm awaiting confirmation from bluewolfevents) and managed, despite missing a number of races during my military to civilian transfer, to finish 15th in the Western Region in the 30-34 cruiser in BMX.

I managed a number of podiums in BMX this year and hit two podiums in the Shimano Winter Series (Fontana, CA) as well.

AND I had the opportunity to race in the Sea Otter-a dream of mine for years and years.

I met a number of my racing heroes and they didn’t disappoint. Guys and gals I’ve only seen on TV, magazines, or on the computer. I finally got to thank them for what they do and how they affected my life and I got to do it in person!

2008 has been a very memorable year and I'm really looking forward to 2009.

I've planned some major changes for the 2009 season. Starting in about two weeks, my web site will receive a total make over. New videos, new pictures, new layout and bi-weekly blogs with the latest news and race reports.

I've started a new training program and the riding here in Monterey is EPIC all year round so I'll get all the practice I'll need for the new season.

Thank you, to everyone, for your support! I couldn't have done it with out you.